"It would definitely set the bar pretty high," Jordan tells ABC Radio. "But, also to inspire and to motivate a future generation of filmmakers."

Although Jordan says it would be exciting to see the film win and light a fire in other black filmmakers to create similar narratives, the Creed II star says the film being acknowledged on Oscar night goes deeper than just inspiration.

"To embrace their culture, and embrace who they are, and where they come from," he declares. "No matter what they may be. And that, they won't feel shy or feel like they wouldn't get the media attention or the acknowledgement they may deserve."

Of course, considering the Marvel superhero blockbuster is nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Jordan -- who was lauded for his role as Black Panther's cunningly clever villain, Killmonger -- admits "only good things can happen" with his film being recognized.

"To be acknowledged for putting your hard work and for especially for something so personal, and you know, with your history and your culture, and your heritage, to get recognized at the highest level, would be, obviously, [a] big deal," he says.

The 91st Academy Awards air Sunday, February 24 at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC.

]]>Marvel Studios(NEW YORK) -- With the Oscars only days away, Black Panther star Michael B. Jordan is already envisioning what it would mean for the blockbuster Marvel superhero film to win Sunday night.

"It would definitely set the bar pretty high," Jordan tells ABC Radio. "But, also to inspire and to motivate a future generation of filmmakers."

Although Jordan says it would be exciting to see the film win and light a fire in other black filmmakers to create similar narratives, the Creed II star says the film being acknowledged on Oscar night goes deeper than just inspiration.

"To embrace their culture, and embrace who they are, and where they come from," he declares. "No matter what they may be. And that, they won't feel shy or feel like they wouldn't get the media attention or the acknowledgement they may deserve."

Of course, considering the Marvel superhero blockbuster is nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Jordan -- who was lauded for his role as Black Panther's cunningly clever villain, Killmonger -- admits "only good things can happen" with his film being recognized.

"To be acknowledged for putting your hard work and for especially for something so personal, and you know, with your history and your culture, and your heritage, to get recognized at the highest level, would be, obviously, [a] big deal," he says.

The 91st Academy Awards air Sunday, February 24 at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC.

“Today we witnessed an organized law enforcement spectacle that has no place in the American legal system," declares a statement issued by his attorneys Thursday afternoon, hours after Smollett was arrested and formally charged in Chicago for allegedly faking a hate crime against him last month.

The statement goes on: "The presumption of innocence, a bedrock in the search for justice, was trampled upon at the expense of Mr. Smollett and notably, on the eve of a mayoral election. Mr. Smollett is a young man of impeccable character and integrity who fiercely and solemnly maintains his innocence and feels betrayed by a system that apparently wants to skip due process and proceed directly to sentencing.”

After Smollett's arraignment, Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie T. Johnson held a press conference in which he criticized Smollett, saying in part, "Why would anyone, especially an African-American man, use the symbolism of a noose to make false accusations? ... How can an individual who’s been embraced by the city of Chicago turn around and slap everyone in the city in the face with these false claims?" He further called the accusations "a scar" that "Chicago...didn't earn."

The Empire star was arraigned on a class-four felony charge disorderly conduct/filing a false police report Thursday and released on $100,000 bond. During his court appearance, Smollett maintained his innocence, denying he staged the anti-gay attack January 29, supposedly at the hands of "racist" supporters of President Trump. Investigators say Smollett staged the attack to boost his profile, and his pay on Empire.

Speaking of Empire, Smollett returned to the Chicago set of the Fox drama after his court appearance Thursday. While Fox has issued statements in support of Smollett in the wake of the initial attack reports, their most recent statement declares, “We understand the seriousness of this matter and we respect the legal process. We are evaluating the situation and we are considering our options.”

TNT didn't need much time to decide to postpone airing an already recorded episode of Drop the Mic featuring Smollett, saying in a statement to ABC News that they're "pulling the episode in the interest of not being exploitative of an incredibly sensitive situation. We are holding on airing his episode for now and we are replacing it with the Raven Simon vsRon Funches and Joey McIntyre vs Joey Fatone episode.”

]]>Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images(CHICAGO) -- Jussie Smollett's legal team apparently isn't happy with the way his case has been handled by investigators.

“Today we witnessed an organized law enforcement spectacle that has no place in the American legal system," declares a statement issued by his attorneys Thursday afternoon, hours after Smollett was arrested and formally charged in Chicago for allegedly faking a hate crime against him last month.

The statement goes on: "The presumption of innocence, a bedrock in the search for justice, was trampled upon at the expense of Mr. Smollett and notably, on the eve of a mayoral election. Mr. Smollett is a young man of impeccable character and integrity who fiercely and solemnly maintains his innocence and feels betrayed by a system that apparently wants to skip due process and proceed directly to sentencing.”

After Smollett's arraignment, Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie T. Johnson held a press conference in which he criticized Smollett, saying in part, "Why would anyone, especially an African-American man, use the symbolism of a noose to make false accusations? ... How can an individual who’s been embraced by the city of Chicago turn around and slap everyone in the city in the face with these false claims?" He further called the accusations "a scar" that "Chicago...didn't earn."

The Empire star was arraigned on a class-four felony charge disorderly conduct/filing a false police report Thursday and released on $100,000 bond. During his court appearance, Smollett maintained his innocence, denying he staged the anti-gay attack January 29, supposedly at the hands of "racist" supporters of President Trump. Investigators say Smollett staged the attack to boost his profile, and his pay on Empire.

Speaking of Empire, Smollett returned to the Chicago set of the Fox drama after his court appearance Thursday. While Fox has issued statements in support of Smollett in the wake of the initial attack reports, their most recent statement declares, “We understand the seriousness of this matter and we respect the legal process. We are evaluating the situation and we are considering our options.”

TNT didn't need much time to decide to postpone airing an already recorded episode of Drop the Mic featuring Smollett, saying in a statement to ABC News that they're "pulling the episode in the interest of not being exploitative of an incredibly sensitive situation. We are holding on airing his episode for now and we are replacing it with the Raven Simon vsRon Funches and Joey McIntyre vs Joey Fatone episode.”

* How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World -- The third and likely final installment in the How to Train Your Dragon series -- the film's being billed as "The Epic Conclusion" -- follows Hiccup, again voiced by Jay Baruchel, and his dragon, Toothless, as they discover their true destinies and test the strength of their friendship like never before. The animated film also features the voices of Cate Blanchett, T.J. Miller, Kristen Wiig, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Kit Harington and F. Murray Abraham. Rated PG.

* Fighting with My Family -- Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson produced and makes an appearance in this biopic based on the 2012 documentary The Wrestlers: Fighting with My Family. It follows the journey of professional wrestler Saraya "Paige" Bevis -- played by Florence Pugh -- from growing up in a household of professional wrestlers to winning the WWE Divas Championship in 2014. It also focuses on the the conflict with her brother, Zac, portrayed by Jack Lowden, who competed against her for a spot in the WWE and lost. Game of Thrones star Lena Headey and Vince Vaughn also star. Rated PG-13.

* Run the Race -- This faith-based sports drama, executive-produced by former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow, follows a pair of high school brothers whose father abandons them after the death of their mother. Zach, an all-State high school football player -- played by Tanner Stine -- sees his promising college football career crushed by a devastating injury. His brother David -- portrayed by Evan Hofer -- laces up his track cleats to salvage their future and show what's possible when you believe. Rated PG.

* How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World -- The third and likely final installment in the How to Train Your Dragon series -- the film's being billed as "The Epic Conclusion" -- follows Hiccup, again voiced by Jay Baruchel, and his dragon, Toothless, as they discover their true destinies and test the strength of their friendship like never before. The animated film also features the voices of Cate Blanchett, T.J. Miller, Kristen Wiig, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Kit Harington and F. Murray Abraham. Rated PG.

* Fighting with My Family -- Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson produced and makes an appearance in this biopic based on the 2012 documentary The Wrestlers: Fighting with My Family. It follows the journey of professional wrestler Saraya "Paige" Bevis -- played by Florence Pugh -- from growing up in a household of professional wrestlers to winning the WWE Divas Championship in 2014. It also focuses on the the conflict with her brother, Zac, portrayed by Jack Lowden, who competed against her for a spot in the WWE and lost. Game of Thrones star Lena Headey and Vince Vaughn also star. Rated PG-13.

* Run the Race -- This faith-based sports drama, executive-produced by former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow, follows a pair of high school brothers whose father abandons them after the death of their mother. Zach, an all-State high school football player -- played by Tanner Stine -- sees his promising college football career crushed by a devastating injury. His brother David -- portrayed by Evan Hofer -- laces up his track cleats to salvage their future and show what's possible when you believe. Rated PG.

]]>How the other half shivs: $13,500 "Axe-throwing experience" part of this year's Oscars gift bag bonanzahttp://binghamtondrive.com/abc-entertainment-news/325891162cbf3b04ad07311f1827aa25
Thu, 21 Feb 2019 16:00:00 -0600http://binghamtondrive.com/abc-entertainment-news/325891162cbf3b04ad07311f1827aa25ABC/Randy Holmes(LOS ANGELES) -- Sure, "it's just an honor to be nominated," as many Oscars hopefuls will be saying this weekend, but being recognized by the Academy -- win or lose -- is an easy way for celebrities to scoop up a ton of freebies.

The gifts included in the nominees' SWAG bag this year includes more than $100,000 worth of goodies, according to Forbes -- though Distinctive Assets, the company that packages all the nominees' stuff, stopped counting after 2016, when the retail value of each was clocked at $260,000.

Among the goodies gifted by the company this year, Forbes explains, is a $40,000, 12-night Tanzania vacation for two, and a six-night and seven-day stay at Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu in Kauai, Hawaii.

However, that's not the only SWAG bag in town. Nominees, Oscar attendees, and presenters staying at the Four Seasons in Los Angeles get their own bag of goodies, too, and ABC Radio has learned that in addition to the myriad gadgets and anti-aging creams and other A-List bric-a-brac, included will be a $13,500 VIP "axe-throwing experience" offered by Kick Axe, New York City's first axe-throwing venue.

For that price, one would think you'd get the chance to chuck axes at real-life dragons, though a rep for the company says The VIP experience includes one-on-one training with an "axe-pert," and a private party.

The establishment's founder and owner Ginger Flesher-Sonnier noted in a statement, "We look forward to hosting many of them for a bout of post-award-season stress relief...To be selected to be included as the gift celebrities are given in their hotel room at the Four Seasons is very axe-citing for the growing company."

]]>ABC/Randy Holmes(LOS ANGELES) -- Sure, "it's just an honor to be nominated," as many Oscars hopefuls will be saying this weekend, but being recognized by the Academy -- win or lose -- is an easy way for celebrities to scoop up a ton of freebies.

The gifts included in the nominees' SWAG bag this year includes more than $100,000 worth of goodies, according to Forbes -- though Distinctive Assets, the company that packages all the nominees' stuff, stopped counting after 2016, when the retail value of each was clocked at $260,000.

Among the goodies gifted by the company this year, Forbes explains, is a $40,000, 12-night Tanzania vacation for two, and a six-night and seven-day stay at Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu in Kauai, Hawaii.

However, that's not the only SWAG bag in town. Nominees, Oscar attendees, and presenters staying at the Four Seasons in Los Angeles get their own bag of goodies, too, and ABC Radio has learned that in addition to the myriad gadgets and anti-aging creams and other A-List bric-a-brac, included will be a $13,500 VIP "axe-throwing experience" offered by Kick Axe, New York City's first axe-throwing venue.

For that price, one would think you'd get the chance to chuck axes at real-life dragons, though a rep for the company says The VIP experience includes one-on-one training with an "axe-pert," and a private party.

The establishment's founder and owner Ginger Flesher-Sonnier noted in a statement, "We look forward to hosting many of them for a bout of post-award-season stress relief...To be selected to be included as the gift celebrities are given in their hotel room at the Four Seasons is very axe-citing for the growing company."

Chicago Police Department(CHICAGO) -- A Chicago judge set Jesse Smollett's bond at $100,000 on Thursday and ordered him to surrender his passport, hours after a Chicago Police Department press conference, where Superintendent Eddie T. Johnson blasted the Empire star, saying that Smollett's alleged staging of a hoax attack was a "publicity stunt...to promote his career."

Standing before Cook County Circuit Court Judge John Fitzgerald Lyke, Jr., Smollett appeared steadfast. He's repeatedly insisted that the attack was real and that he is a victim.

When first assistant state attorney Risa Lanier told Lyke that the actor had picked up the two brothers who authorities say he hired to carry out the attack, and showed them the location of where he wanted it to take place, Smollett shook his head in disagreement.

When Lyke told Smollett that the allegations, if true, are "utterly outrageous," the actor nodded his head in agreement -- adn did so again when Lyke said the noose detail was the most despicable part of the alleged scheme.

The judge also ordered pre-trial monitoring of the actor, and ordered him to stay away from the two brothers with whom he'd allegedly conspired.

At the Thursday morning press conference, a visibly angry Johnson called out the actor for betraying his race and his city with such an incendiary false claim.

"Jussie Smollett took advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career," Johnson said. “I am left hanging my head asking ‘why?’ Why would anyone, especially an African-American man, use the symbolism of a noose to make false accusations?"

Johnson told reporters that Smollett staged the attack -- after sending himself a threatening letter to Empire's studios -- because he was "dissatisfied with his salary."

Chicago Police Department(CHICAGO) -- A Chicago judge set Jesse Smollett's bond at $100,000 on Thursday and ordered him to surrender his passport, hours after a Chicago Police Department press conference, where Superintendent Eddie T. Johnson blasted the Empire star, saying that Smollett's alleged staging of a hoax attack was a "publicity stunt...to promote his career."

Standing before Cook County Circuit Court Judge John Fitzgerald Lyke, Jr., Smollett appeared steadfast. He's repeatedly insisted that the attack was real and that he is a victim.

When first assistant state attorney Risa Lanier told Lyke that the actor had picked up the two brothers who authorities say he hired to carry out the attack, and showed them the location of where he wanted it to take place, Smollett shook his head in disagreement.

When Lyke told Smollett that the allegations, if true, are "utterly outrageous," the actor nodded his head in agreement -- adn did so again when Lyke said the noose detail was the most despicable part of the alleged scheme.

The judge also ordered pre-trial monitoring of the actor, and ordered him to stay away from the two brothers with whom he'd allegedly conspired.

At the Thursday morning press conference, a visibly angry Johnson called out the actor for betraying his race and his city with such an incendiary false claim.

"Jussie Smollett took advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career," Johnson said. “I am left hanging my head asking ‘why?’ Why would anyone, especially an African-American man, use the symbolism of a noose to make false accusations?"

Johnson told reporters that Smollett staged the attack -- after sending himself a threatening letter to Empire's studios -- because he was "dissatisfied with his salary."

]]>She's back: Wendy Williams returns to her show on March 4http://binghamtondrive.com/abc-entertainment-news/dc24fa76013ad8d42c36276769e87d08
Thu, 21 Feb 2019 14:00:00 -0600http://binghamtondrive.com/abc-entertainment-news/dc24fa76013ad8d42c36276769e87d08ABC(NEW YORK) -- After a nearly three-month extended hiatus from her daytime talk show due to health issues, Wendy Williams is set to return to her namesake show next month.

The news of her return came on Thursday via a statement from the show's production company, Debmar-Mercury, which was posted on the Wendy show Instagram page.

"Wendy Williams is an incredible talent with the most unique voice in daytime," the statement read. "We can’t wait to welcome her back to her iconic purple chair on the set of her show on Monday, March 4th."

The statement continues, "We so appreciate all of the guest hosts and panelists who filled in for Wendy during this time. These people are, and always will be, true family to the show. And we want to thank all of the loyal and supportive fans who have been with us for 10 years now."

The statement also included a special note from Wendy.

"Salute to Debmar-Mercury for believing from the start and thanks to my staff for tirelessly holding it down for me," it read.

As previously reported, Williams hasn't returned to her show since it went on a holiday season hiatus in December. In mid-January, she first revealed that that she'd be delaying her return due to a fractured shoulder and "complications regarding her Graves’ Disease that will require treatment."

Since then, the show has been airing repeats, as well as original episodes with a variety of guest hosts.

According to the announcement, the show will air repeat episodes during the week of February 25th and will then return with original episodes starting on Monday, March 4th.

]]>ABC(NEW YORK) -- After a nearly three-month extended hiatus from her daytime talk show due to health issues, Wendy Williams is set to return to her namesake show next month.

The news of her return came on Thursday via a statement from the show's production company, Debmar-Mercury, which was posted on the Wendy show Instagram page.

"Wendy Williams is an incredible talent with the most unique voice in daytime," the statement read. "We can’t wait to welcome her back to her iconic purple chair on the set of her show on Monday, March 4th."

The statement continues, "We so appreciate all of the guest hosts and panelists who filled in for Wendy during this time. These people are, and always will be, true family to the show. And we want to thank all of the loyal and supportive fans who have been with us for 10 years now."

The statement also included a special note from Wendy.

"Salute to Debmar-Mercury for believing from the start and thanks to my staff for tirelessly holding it down for me," it read.

As previously reported, Williams hasn't returned to her show since it went on a holiday season hiatus in December. In mid-January, she first revealed that that she'd be delaying her return due to a fractured shoulder and "complications regarding her Graves’ Disease that will require treatment."

Since then, the show has been airing repeats, as well as original episodes with a variety of guest hosts.

According to the announcement, the show will air repeat episodes during the week of February 25th and will then return with original episodes starting on Monday, March 4th.

Paquin, who also serves as a producer on the U.K.-set series, says her character's "amped-up" life mirrors the craziness of her chosen profession.

"As we all know, news cycles and the Internet happen instantaneously, so there's no time to sort of think of things too much or dwell on things too much, the actress tells ABC Radio. Decisions have to be made immediately, crises have to be averted five minutes ago.

"[Robyn] also runs on sort of a crazy clock herself, just as far as some of her... let's say, pastimes and less, uh, PG habits, Paquin continues. "So she's a pretty amped-up person, sort of, already."

Paquin says she she jumped at the chance to bring the story to the screen on a smaller network, where she could have creative freedom to bring this flawed character to life.

"I really like being involved from start to finish on something that I'm working on," she says. "At this point, if I care enough about something to want to be in it, I probably wanna be more involved on the production side."

Flack marks another new chapter for Paquin, who won the 1993 Best Supporting Actress Oscar at 11 years old for her role in The Piano. With the Oscars airing this Sunday, Paquin remembers her genuine reaction to winning at such a young age.

Paquin, who also serves as a producer on the U.K.-set series, says her character's "amped-up" life mirrors the craziness of her chosen profession.

"As we all know, news cycles and the Internet happen instantaneously, so there's no time to sort of think of things too much or dwell on things too much, the actress tells ABC Radio. Decisions have to be made immediately, crises have to be averted five minutes ago.

"[Robyn] also runs on sort of a crazy clock herself, just as far as some of her... let's say, pastimes and less, uh, PG habits, Paquin continues. "So she's a pretty amped-up person, sort of, already."

Paquin says she she jumped at the chance to bring the story to the screen on a smaller network, where she could have creative freedom to bring this flawed character to life.

"I really like being involved from start to finish on something that I'm working on," she says. "At this point, if I care enough about something to want to be in it, I probably wanna be more involved on the production side."

Flack marks another new chapter for Paquin, who won the 1993 Best Supporting Actress Oscar at 11 years old for her role in The Piano. With the Oscars airing this Sunday, Paquin remembers her genuine reaction to winning at such a young age.

]]>"I'm lost for words" -- Tyler Perry, Octavia Spencer and other celebrities react to Jussie Smollett's hoax, arresthttp://binghamtondrive.com/abc-entertainment-news/754112aa80871b12b8009209110b1376
Thu, 21 Feb 2019 13:00:00 -0600http://binghamtondrive.com/abc-entertainment-news/754112aa80871b12b8009209110b1376Chicago Police Department(LOS ANGELES) -- Celebrities are reacting to the arrest of Jussie Smollett, who's been charged by Chicago PD with filing a false police report. The Empire star falsely claimed he was attacked on January 29 by two men shouting racist and homophobic epithets.

Tyler Perry took to Instagram, writing, "I have personally spoken to Jussie, and he is adamant that he’s telling the truth. Also, everyone that I know who knows him says that he is not the kind of person who would make up such a horrible and awful thing. Yet the evidence seems to state otherwise.

He added, "I’m lost for words. To stoke fears and raise racial tensions is wrong in every situation on ALL SIDES! Yet my prayers are still with him and his family and our Nation. CAN WE PLEASE STOP THE HATE!"

"I’ve been trying to find the words and @tylerperry is elegant with his thoughts on this," she wrote. "I’m seriously at a loss for words."

Yvette Nicole Brown insisted her support for Jussie remains unchanged.

"I’ve been vocal about this situation & my love for Jussie & his entire family," she tweeted. "I will continue to hope for the best for everyone involved as things continue to unfold. And I, like all of you, will watch them unfold. But believing victims is always the right choice."

However, Ice Cube's son, O'Shea Jackson Jr., voiced his frustration with Smollett, saying his claims could have led to actual violence.

"What upsets me about this Jussie situation is that people were genuinely worried about you man," he tweeted. "And the things that you said happened could have led to some serious outcomes. People were prepared to fight for you bruh. Things coulda got ugly...... and you made it up."

]]>Chicago Police Department(LOS ANGELES) -- Celebrities are reacting to the arrest of Jussie Smollett, who's been charged by Chicago PD with filing a false police report. The Empire star falsely claimed he was attacked on January 29 by two men shouting racist and homophobic epithets.

Tyler Perry took to Instagram, writing, "I have personally spoken to Jussie, and he is adamant that he’s telling the truth. Also, everyone that I know who knows him says that he is not the kind of person who would make up such a horrible and awful thing. Yet the evidence seems to state otherwise.

He added, "I’m lost for words. To stoke fears and raise racial tensions is wrong in every situation on ALL SIDES! Yet my prayers are still with him and his family and our Nation. CAN WE PLEASE STOP THE HATE!"

"I’ve been trying to find the words and @tylerperry is elegant with his thoughts on this," she wrote. "I’m seriously at a loss for words."

Yvette Nicole Brown insisted her support for Jussie remains unchanged.

"I’ve been vocal about this situation & my love for Jussie & his entire family," she tweeted. "I will continue to hope for the best for everyone involved as things continue to unfold. And I, like all of you, will watch them unfold. But believing victims is always the right choice."

However, Ice Cube's son, O'Shea Jackson Jr., voiced his frustration with Smollett, saying his claims could have led to actual violence.

"What upsets me about this Jussie situation is that people were genuinely worried about you man," he tweeted. "And the things that you said happened could have led to some serious outcomes. People were prepared to fight for you bruh. Things coulda got ugly...... and you made it up."

The trailer, which runs for about two-and-a-half minutes, shows Elton's transformation from an unknown musician named Reginald Dwight into an outrageously dressed full-fledged rock star. We also see him struggling with substance abuse and the pressures of fame, and there's a reference to his secret relationship with his then-manager and lover, John Reid.

We also see a montage of career moments, as well as life events, including his ill-fated 1984 marriage to recording engineer Renate Blauel.

In one scene, Elton, played by Taron Egerton, is wearing one of his more over-the-top outfits, when he's confronted by Bernie Taupin, played by Jamie Bell.

"Don't you just wanna just sing without this ridiculous paraphernalia?" asks Bernie.

"People don't pay to see Reg Dwight!" sputters an angry Elton, wearing faux plumage that would make a peacock blush. "They pay to see ELTON JOHN!"

]]>Paramount Pictures(LOS ANGELES) -- If you thought Elton John's upcoming biopic Rocketman, described as a "musical fantasy," would only focus on the positive parts of the legendary star's life, a new trailer indicates otherwise.

The trailer, which runs for about two-and-a-half minutes, shows Elton's transformation from an unknown musician named Reginald Dwight into an outrageously dressed full-fledged rock star. We also see him struggling with substance abuse and the pressures of fame, and there's a reference to his secret relationship with his then-manager and lover, John Reid.

We also see a montage of career moments, as well as life events, including his ill-fated 1984 marriage to recording engineer Renate Blauel.

In one scene, Elton, played by Taron Egerton, is wearing one of his more over-the-top outfits, when he's confronted by Bernie Taupin, played by Jamie Bell.

"Don't you just wanna just sing without this ridiculous paraphernalia?" asks Bernie.

"People don't pay to see Reg Dwight!" sputters an angry Elton, wearing faux plumage that would make a peacock blush. "They pay to see ELTON JOHN!"

]]>The Monkees' Peter Tork dead at age 77http://binghamtondrive.com/abc-entertainment-news/24bf493bc1ec00394bd8c3ae6b64249c
Thu, 21 Feb 2019 11:42:00 -0600http://binghamtondrive.com/abc-entertainment-news/24bf493bc1ec00394bd8c3ae6b64249c(The Monkees, Peter Tork foreground) Mike McLaren/Central Press/Getty Images(LOS ANGELES) -- Peter Tork of The Monkees has died at the age of 77, according to a post on the musician's official Facebook page.

"It is with beyond-heavy and broken hearts that we share the devastating news that our friend, mentor, teacher, and amazing soul, Peter Tork, has passed from this world," the note reads. A spokesperson for The Monkees' record label, Rhino, confirmed Tork's death.

Born Peter Thorkelson in Washington, D.C., Tork began playing music in the New York City folk scene during the early 1960s after dropping out of college. In 1965 he moved to Los Angeles, where, at the urging of his friend Stephen Stills, he tried out for a role in a new comedy TV show about a fictional band inspired by The Beatles.

Peter was hired to star in The Monkees alongside Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz and Michael Nesmith, and the show became a huge success, as did the music the group recorded with the help of seasoned professional songwriters and session musicians.

Known as the "Prefab Four," The Monkees sold millions of albums thanks to the hit TV series, which ran through 1968 and won two Emmys. Tork played bass in the band, and contributed a few songs and occasional lead vocals to the group. Among the songs he's featured on are "Words" and "Shades of Gray."

Peter left The Monkees in 1968, but reunited with the band -- minus Nesmith -- for a successful 1986 reunion tour and a 1987 album, Pool It!. From the late '80s until 2017, Tork would take part in a variety of Monkees reunion treks. He also contributed to studio that albums the band released in 1996, 2016 and 2018.

Tork also had a music career outside of The Monkees: He released a 1994 solo record and several albums both with his band Shoe Suede Blues and with singer/songwriter James Lee Stanley.

In 2009, Tork revealed he'd been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer of the head and neck, and reported that he'd been successfully treated for the disease. This past November, Peter reported on his Facebook page that he was dealing with an unspecified health issue.

Tork is the second Monkees member to pass away, following Jones, who died of a heart attack in 2010 at age 66.

]]>(The Monkees, Peter Tork foreground) Mike McLaren/Central Press/Getty Images(LOS ANGELES) -- Peter Tork of The Monkees has died at the age of 77, according to a post on the musician's official Facebook page.

"It is with beyond-heavy and broken hearts that we share the devastating news that our friend, mentor, teacher, and amazing soul, Peter Tork, has passed from this world," the note reads. A spokesperson for The Monkees' record label, Rhino, confirmed Tork's death.

Born Peter Thorkelson in Washington, D.C., Tork began playing music in the New York City folk scene during the early 1960s after dropping out of college. In 1965 he moved to Los Angeles, where, at the urging of his friend Stephen Stills, he tried out for a role in a new comedy TV show about a fictional band inspired by The Beatles.

Peter was hired to star in The Monkees alongside Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz and Michael Nesmith, and the show became a huge success, as did the music the group recorded with the help of seasoned professional songwriters and session musicians.

Known as the "Prefab Four," The Monkees sold millions of albums thanks to the hit TV series, which ran through 1968 and won two Emmys. Tork played bass in the band, and contributed a few songs and occasional lead vocals to the group. Among the songs he's featured on are "Words" and "Shades of Gray."

Peter left The Monkees in 1968, but reunited with the band -- minus Nesmith -- for a successful 1986 reunion tour and a 1987 album, Pool It!. From the late '80s until 2017, Tork would take part in a variety of Monkees reunion treks. He also contributed to studio that albums the band released in 1996, 2016 and 2018.

Tork also had a music career outside of The Monkees: He released a 1994 solo record and several albums both with his band Shoe Suede Blues and with singer/songwriter James Lee Stanley.

In 2009, Tork revealed he'd been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer of the head and neck, and reported that he'd been successfully treated for the disease. This past November, Peter reported on his Facebook page that he was dealing with an unspecified health issue.

Tork is the second Monkees member to pass away, following Jones, who died of a heart attack in 2010 at age 66.

An angry Johnson said, "Jussie Smollett took advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career," adding that Smollett orchestrated the attack because he was "dissatisfied with his salary." According to HuffPost, he earned $65,000 per episode.

Smollett told the police, and then ABC's Robin Roberts, that on January 29, two men shouted racist and homophobic slurs at him before they tied a noose around his neck, and poured bleach on him. Smollet also claimed the assailants used the phrase "MAGA country," a reference to President Donald Trump's "Make American Great Again" slogan.

But as detailed in the press conference, police work revealed that the "racist assailants" were two brothers of Nigerian descent, who were paid $3500 by Smollett to stage the phony attack.

Johnson, who spoke not just as the city's top cop, "but as a black man in Chicago," wondered aloud at the presser, "Why would anyone, especially an African-American man, use the symbolism of a noose to make false accusations? ... How can an individual who’s been embraced by the city of Chicago turn around and slap everyone in the city in the face with these false claims?"

Johnson called the accusations "a scar" that "Chicago...didn't earn."

Smollett turned himself in at 5:15 a.m. local time and was charged with a felony for making a false police report. He faces several years in prison for that charge. But sending himself the letter -- which was filled with a white powder that turned out to be crushed-up Tylenol -- would likely bring further charges, authorities explained.

]]>Chicago Police Department(CHICAGO) -- Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie T. Johnson blasted Empire star Jussie Smollett in an emotional press conference on Thursday, revealing that the actor sent a threatening letter to himself, and paid two men to stage an attack against him, as a "publicity stunt...to promote his career."

An angry Johnson said, "Jussie Smollett took advantage of the pain and anger of racism to promote his career," adding that Smollett orchestrated the attack because he was "dissatisfied with his salary." According to HuffPost, he earned $65,000 per episode.

Smollett told the police, and then ABC's Robin Roberts, that on January 29, two men shouted racist and homophobic slurs at him before they tied a noose around his neck, and poured bleach on him. Smollet also claimed the assailants used the phrase "MAGA country," a reference to President Donald Trump's "Make American Great Again" slogan.

But as detailed in the press conference, police work revealed that the "racist assailants" were two brothers of Nigerian descent, who were paid $3500 by Smollett to stage the phony attack.

Johnson, who spoke not just as the city's top cop, "but as a black man in Chicago," wondered aloud at the presser, "Why would anyone, especially an African-American man, use the symbolism of a noose to make false accusations? ... How can an individual who’s been embraced by the city of Chicago turn around and slap everyone in the city in the face with these false claims?"

Johnson called the accusations "a scar" that "Chicago...didn't earn."

Smollett turned himself in at 5:15 a.m. local time and was charged with a felony for making a false police report. He faces several years in prison for that charge. But sending himself the letter -- which was filled with a white powder that turned out to be crushed-up Tylenol -- would likely bring further charges, authorities explained.

Bohemian Rhapsody, is "brought to you by...er...a director" -- poking fun of the persona non grata status of director Bryan Singer in the wake of sexual accusations against him. Meanwhile, the movie itself is celebrated as a tribute to "wigs and teeth."

The Favourite, a period drama about England's 18th century queen, Anne, is called the "other Queen biopic, that's also about a difficult charismatic figurehead and the people who jockey for power around them."

For Green Book, Viggo Mortensen's character is compared to "one of the cartoon Italian chefs on the pizza box," and the message of the film is described as, "Racism...now stay with me...is bad."

BlackKKlansman, from Best Director nominee Spike Lee -- "yes, the guy at the Knicks games" -- is described as a portrayal of racism in the past that "still relevant today...and really puts a damper on re-runs of That 70s Show" -- thanks to Topher Grace's portrayal of Ku Klux Klan member David Duke.

The oft-remade A Star is Born is described as a "film that comes along once in a generation -- literally, like once in a generation since 1937."

Alfonso Cuaron's Roma, about a middle-class Mexican family and their maid, is described as a "sweeping, emotional" film, "that got Academy voters to wonder if their housekeepers were actual people."

Other jabs: notoriously fickle comic book fans griping that Infinity War should have gotten a Best Picture nomination over Black Panther, and that Vice nominee Christian Bale has gone from "skinny, to fat, to Bat" on the big screen.

Bohemian Rhapsody, is "brought to you by...er...a director" -- poking fun of the persona non grata status of director Bryan Singer in the wake of sexual accusations against him. Meanwhile, the movie itself is celebrated as a tribute to "wigs and teeth."

The Favourite, a period drama about England's 18th century queen, Anne, is called the "other Queen biopic, that's also about a difficult charismatic figurehead and the people who jockey for power around them."

For Green Book, Viggo Mortensen's character is compared to "one of the cartoon Italian chefs on the pizza box," and the message of the film is described as, "Racism...now stay with me...is bad."

BlackKKlansman, from Best Director nominee Spike Lee -- "yes, the guy at the Knicks games" -- is described as a portrayal of racism in the past that "still relevant today...and really puts a damper on re-runs of That 70s Show" -- thanks to Topher Grace's portrayal of Ku Klux Klan member David Duke.

The oft-remade A Star is Born is described as a "film that comes along once in a generation -- literally, like once in a generation since 1937."

Alfonso Cuaron's Roma, about a middle-class Mexican family and their maid, is described as a "sweeping, emotional" film, "that got Academy voters to wonder if their housekeepers were actual people."

Other jabs: notoriously fickle comic book fans griping that Infinity War should have gotten a Best Picture nomination over Black Panther, and that Vice nominee Christian Bale has gone from "skinny, to fat, to Bat" on the big screen.

]]>Chris Hemsworth goes from Thor to Hulk...Hogan, that ishttp://binghamtondrive.com/abc-entertainment-news/92bb3dbbfd3d9e2b98c3fc8ef29cfba5
Thu, 21 Feb 2019 08:00:00 -0600http://binghamtondrive.com/abc-entertainment-news/92bb3dbbfd3d9e2b98c3fc8ef29cfba5ABC/Randy Holmes(LOS ANGELES) -- Chris Hemsworth is famous for playing Thor in the Marvel movies, but next, he's been tapped to play a Hulk...Hulk Hogan, in fact.

The Australian actor is attached to a proposed biopic chronicling the wrestling superstar's rise to fame, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The film would reunite Todd Phillips and Scott Silver, the respective director and writer of the DC Comics' upcoming Joker movie, while Bradley Cooper is on board to co-produce, along with Hemsworth.

Hogan -- born Terry Gene Bollea -- became a star of the World Wrestling Federation, which he parlayed into movie and TV appearances, endorsements and video games.

Hemsworth will next be seen reprising his role as Thor in Avengers: Endgame, opening nationwide April 26 from Marvel Studios, which is owned by Disney, the parent company of ABC News.

]]>ABC/Randy Holmes(LOS ANGELES) -- Chris Hemsworth is famous for playing Thor in the Marvel movies, but next, he's been tapped to play a Hulk...Hulk Hogan, in fact.

The Australian actor is attached to a proposed biopic chronicling the wrestling superstar's rise to fame, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The film would reunite Todd Phillips and Scott Silver, the respective director and writer of the DC Comics' upcoming Joker movie, while Bradley Cooper is on board to co-produce, along with Hemsworth.

Hogan -- born Terry Gene Bollea -- became a star of the World Wrestling Federation, which he parlayed into movie and TV appearances, endorsements and video games.

Hemsworth will next be seen reprising his role as Thor in Avengers: Endgame, opening nationwide April 26 from Marvel Studios, which is owned by Disney, the parent company of ABC News.

]]>Jussie Smollett in custody; arrested for false report of hoax "attack"http://binghamtondrive.com/abc-entertainment-news/a10f967d3796e04cffed59eda9143d5f
Thu, 21 Feb 2019 05:35:00 -0600http://binghamtondrive.com/abc-entertainment-news/a10f967d3796e04cffed59eda9143d5fABC(CHICAGO) -- Empire star Jussie Smollett has been arrested, and is currently in custody of detectives, according to Anthony Guglielmi, chief communications officer for the Chicago Police Department.

Wednesday night, authorities filed a felony charge of disorderly conduct/filing a false police report against the actor, who falsely claimed he was the victim of an anti-gay hate crime at the hands of "racist" supporters of President Trump on January 29.

Smollett's story quickly unraveled, however, when investigators located two brothers known to Smollett. Olabinjo and Abimbola Osundairo reportedly told police that the actor paid them to orchestrate and carry out the fake attack, after a threatening letter reportedly directed at him wasn't being taken seriously enough.

The class 4 felony charge against Smollett is punishable for up to three years in prison.

Guglielmi said the arrest was the result of an, "an intense investigation that took a lot of police resources," and insisted Smollett, "will be held accountable for that." The spokesman added, "That was a pretty hateful allegation, and it really put a terrible look on Chicago. Chicago trusted this young man. We loved Empire. And we took this very seriously that something this hateful could happen in our city."

Meantime, the FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service are currently investigating whether Smollett played a role in sending the threatening letter himself, two federal officials confirmed to ABC News. If that's confirmed, more charges against the actor are likely.

Following news of the false report charge last night, attorneys for Smollett said in a statement provided to ABC News: "Like any other citizen, Mr. Smollett enjoys the presumption of innocence, particularly when there has been an investigation like this one where information, both true and false, has been repeatedly leaked. Given these circumstances, we intend to conduct a thorough investigation and to mount an aggressive defense."

]]>ABC(CHICAGO) -- Empire star Jussie Smollett has been arrested, and is currently in custody of detectives, according to Anthony Guglielmi, chief communications officer for the Chicago Police Department.

Wednesday night, authorities filed a felony charge of disorderly conduct/filing a false police report against the actor, who falsely claimed he was the victim of an anti-gay hate crime at the hands of "racist" supporters of President Trump on January 29.

Smollett's story quickly unraveled, however, when investigators located two brothers known to Smollett. Olabinjo and Abimbola Osundairo reportedly told police that the actor paid them to orchestrate and carry out the fake attack, after a threatening letter reportedly directed at him wasn't being taken seriously enough.

The class 4 felony charge against Smollett is punishable for up to three years in prison.

Guglielmi said the arrest was the result of an, "an intense investigation that took a lot of police resources," and insisted Smollett, "will be held accountable for that." The spokesman added, "That was a pretty hateful allegation, and it really put a terrible look on Chicago. Chicago trusted this young man. We loved Empire. And we took this very seriously that something this hateful could happen in our city."

Meantime, the FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service are currently investigating whether Smollett played a role in sending the threatening letter himself, two federal officials confirmed to ABC News. If that's confirmed, more charges against the actor are likely.

Following news of the false report charge last night, attorneys for Smollett said in a statement provided to ABC News: "Like any other citizen, Mr. Smollett enjoys the presumption of innocence, particularly when there has been an investigation like this one where information, both true and false, has been repeatedly leaked. Given these circumstances, we intend to conduct a thorough investigation and to mount an aggressive defense."

]]>Gwyneth Paltrow's accuser in skiing accident suit calls her countersuit "rife with errors"http://binghamtondrive.com/abc-entertainment-news/8fcc5bd8b02bea7fc47e74a1c01a12a4
Thu, 21 Feb 2019 05:00:00 -0600http://binghamtondrive.com/abc-entertainment-news/8fcc5bd8b02bea7fc47e74a1c01a12a4ABC/Paula Lobo(NEW YORK) -- Hours after Gwyneth Paltrow filed a countersuit against a man who claims he was injured by the actress while skiing in Utah, her accuser's attorney has issued a response, claiming her counterclaim is "rife with errors."

Utah man Terry Sanderson is suing Paltrow and the Deer Valley ski resort for $3.1 million, claiming a hit-and-run collision between him and Paltrow on February 26, 2016 left him with "a concussion, brain injury and four broken ribs."

In the countersuit, filed Wednesday, Paltrow claims it was she that was struck by the plaintiff.

"Ms. Paltrow remembers what happened very clearly. She was enjoying skiing with her family on vacation...when Plaintiff...plowed into her back," sustaining "a full 'body blow,'" reads the complaint. "Ms. Paltrow was angry with [Sanderson], and said so. [He] apologized. She was shaken and upset, and quit skiing for the day, even though it was still morning."

The suit adds that a Deer Valley employee and Paltrow prepared a report stating that Sanderson had "taken [Paltrow] out from behind,'" meaning the collision was his fault.

In a response obtained by ABC, Sanderson's attorney calls Paltrow's counterclaim "rife with errors," alleging she "skied into [Sanderson's] back, breaking 4 of his ribs and leaving him with a concussion.” Sanderson’s lawyer also claims they have a witness who can confirm that, as well as their assertion that Paltrow “left the scene of the collision."

The statement further alleges Paltrow and her group "failed to notify ski patrol as required by a criminal statute in Summit County, Utah,” adding, “Failing to stay at the scene of the accident or ski collision is a violation of that law."

Sanderson’s response also accuses Paltrow’s ski instructor of changing his story, first stating that he didn’t see the collision, then making false statement to cover it up.

The statement also contends the Avengers: Endgame actress' pleading “misrepresents Dr. Sanderson's medical records” by claiming that Sanderson, 69, "told his doctor about one year earlier that he was blind in his right eye, and that his vision in his left eye was decreasing. Just three weeks before the incident, Plaintiff told his doctor that Plaintiff had 'gotten old all of a sudden.'" It also notes Sanderson had "15 other chronic medical issues."

Paltrow's countersuit claims that after the accident, Sanderson's doctor tested him and did not find any "deficits in his cognitive functioning..." and that a friend insisted Sanderson "acted the same" after the collision as he did before.

]]>ABC/Paula Lobo(NEW YORK) -- Hours after Gwyneth Paltrow filed a countersuit against a man who claims he was injured by the actress while skiing in Utah, her accuser's attorney has issued a response, claiming her counterclaim is "rife with errors."

Utah man Terry Sanderson is suing Paltrow and the Deer Valley ski resort for $3.1 million, claiming a hit-and-run collision between him and Paltrow on February 26, 2016 left him with "a concussion, brain injury and four broken ribs."

In the countersuit, filed Wednesday, Paltrow claims it was she that was struck by the plaintiff.

"Ms. Paltrow remembers what happened very clearly. She was enjoying skiing with her family on vacation...when Plaintiff...plowed into her back," sustaining "a full 'body blow,'" reads the complaint. "Ms. Paltrow was angry with [Sanderson], and said so. [He] apologized. She was shaken and upset, and quit skiing for the day, even though it was still morning."

The suit adds that a Deer Valley employee and Paltrow prepared a report stating that Sanderson had "taken [Paltrow] out from behind,'" meaning the collision was his fault.

In a response obtained by ABC, Sanderson's attorney calls Paltrow's counterclaim "rife with errors," alleging she "skied into [Sanderson's] back, breaking 4 of his ribs and leaving him with a concussion.” Sanderson’s lawyer also claims they have a witness who can confirm that, as well as their assertion that Paltrow “left the scene of the collision."

The statement further alleges Paltrow and her group "failed to notify ski patrol as required by a criminal statute in Summit County, Utah,” adding, “Failing to stay at the scene of the accident or ski collision is a violation of that law."

Sanderson’s response also accuses Paltrow’s ski instructor of changing his story, first stating that he didn’t see the collision, then making false statement to cover it up.

The statement also contends the Avengers: Endgame actress' pleading “misrepresents Dr. Sanderson's medical records” by claiming that Sanderson, 69, "told his doctor about one year earlier that he was blind in his right eye, and that his vision in his left eye was decreasing. Just three weeks before the incident, Plaintiff told his doctor that Plaintiff had 'gotten old all of a sudden.'" It also notes Sanderson had "15 other chronic medical issues."

Paltrow's countersuit claims that after the accident, Sanderson's doctor tested him and did not find any "deficits in his cognitive functioning..." and that a friend insisted Sanderson "acted the same" after the collision as he did before.